The Catholic Diocese of Fresno, California, on March 3 condemned a press conference held by a Fresno City Council candidate and registered child sex offender outside St. John’s Cathedral, saying the church was used as a “prop” for political purposes.
Rene Campos, a candidate for Fresno City Council District 7, said he held a press conference Feb. 27 on a public sidewalk outside St. John’s Cathedral because he believes the location symbolizes forgiveness.
“I feel, in the city of Fresno, there’s certain areas that represent rehabilitation,” Campos said. “This church has been here for hundreds of years.”
NEW: Child s*x offender running for city council in Fresno held a press conference outside of an elementary school, prompting the school to file a police report.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 4, 2026
41-year-old Rene Campos decided to hold a press conference feet away from Big Picture Elementary School.
Campos was… pic.twitter.com/sbPEgxEO7q
Campos was charged in 2018 with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to the diocese, officials had not been notified in advance of the event. The officials contacted nearby Big Picture Elementary School after learning about it because the campus is located across the street from the cathedral.
“While the event occurred on a public sidewalk, the Diocese takes seriously its unwavering commitment to Child & Youth protection,” the diocese said in a statement. “Mr. Campos independently and irresponsibly chose the location for the press conference and used the Catholic Church and the School as props in his theater of politics.”
The statement added that Bishop Joseph Brennan and the diocese “strongly condemn Mr. Campos’s decision.”
Campos held the conference in response to concerns raised by members of the Fresno City Council about his candidacy. The council has said it is considering legislation that would bar registered sex offenders from running for public office.
In its statement, the diocese also emphasized that the Catholic Church does not support Campos’ campaign.
“The Diocese of Fresno wishes to make it abundantly clear that while the Catholic Church has a responsibility to engage with civic leaders, the Church does not endorse Mr. Campos or any other candidate,” the diocese said. “We charitably pray for all elected officials and candidates, that they will hold themselves accountable and work to unify our communities.”